One in four admits to smuggling liquids through airport security reveals Skyscanner

31st Oct 2011

A recent survey by flight comparison site Skyscanner has revealed that 28% of travellers have ‘smuggled’ contraband liquids past airport security either accidentally, or in full knowledge that they are breaking the rules.

Almost 1000 people responded to the poll which revealed that 42% believe the current legislation is too restrictive overall, with 18% complaining that different airports appear to have different rules and that the current regulations need to be standardised across all airports around the world. Only 2% believed the legislation did not go far enough.

However, despite these overly restrictive rules, a shocking 4% of respondents admitted that they have purposely smuggled liquids through security – and got away with it.

Sam Baldwin, Skyscanner Travel Editor, commented:
“The ‘100ml rule’ for liquids is certainly one of the more annoying aspects of flying so it’s perhaps not surprising to hear that so many people have taken ‘illegal’ amounts of liquids through security, however the fact that a proportion of travellers have done this intentionally and got away with it is more of a concern.

“It’s important to remember that these restrictions are in place for a reason, however, most travellers would welcome the solution of more sophisticated security technology that might allow the restrictions to be relaxed or repealed altogether.”

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In 2009 it was announced that new X-ray scanners capable of identifying liquid explosives were being trialled which could have meant a relaxation of the liquid restrictions in ‘as little as 12 months’. However, since then, the rules have remained in place with no further indication that any changes to the restrictions will take place anytime soon.